Darwin’s Finches: an essay on the general biological theory of evolution, 2nd ed. DAVIDLACK. Harper & Brothers, New York, New York, 1961, x + 204pp., illustr. and subject index, $18.00 (ISBN 0-52127-2424 softcover).

This book contains extensive information concerning Darwin’s finches and other species residing solely in the Galapagos Islands. Every facet of the finches’ lives is covered here: feeding, mating, territory, even including a discussion concerning varying finch behavior. The book is well organized and is broken down into the various aspects of bird life in the Galapagos, including predators and likely versions of finch variation through time. Possible modes of transportation to the isles for all animal species are discussed, and the book begins with a simple, yet entertaining narrative and a relevant introduction to the environment of the main islands. Personal narratives, ideas and experiences are woven into each of the chapters, lending interesting insight and thoughtfulness into some of the more dull explanations. The author spends an enormous portion of the book on plumage, and about a quarter of the tables, charts and maps concern the distribution of particularly colored birds.

Of particular interest was the account of identification among the birds themselves who seem unable to tell the difference between species of finch unless they seethe beak. The author’s narrative in this portion of the book was astute and informative, giving the reader something to think about while allowing the topic to lend itself to even more questions. Another section worthy of note concerned hybridization of the finches. In this section, however, the author tends to lend himself to various theories and makes the section confusing to the reader. While the discussion here is interesting and generally informative, little actual data is given. As is, Lark poses more questions than he answers in this section.

The diagrams and tables are extensive and useful, particularly the numbered and lettered maps showing animal distributions. Unfortunately, not all of the islands were discussed in the book, and this made analysis of finch ranges difficult. Also difficult was the constant translation of island names which are given in the common English names but today are more popularly known in their Ecuadorian counterparts. Details of finch beaks were also provided and proved helpful in understanding whether a finch was a Ground Finch, Tree Finch, or Warbler Finch.

Because this book was most recently printed in 1961, much of the information may now be outdated. Possibly new conclusions concerning Darwin’s Finches have been reached at this time.

LAUREN E. RIZZO

Biology Student

SmithCollege

Northampton, MA01063

Author’s Note: Another copy of this book exists at this time. Darwin’s Finches was reprinted in 1984, and it is possible that the information in this newer publication is more extensive or contains new or revised hypotheses or conclusions.